On October 8th, Sharon, David, Cara, Dad, Leanora and I all headed to Oregon for a vacation and for Arik's 1st birthday. What fun we had, and what memories were made.
First, Leanora left on a plane to Portland, with a connection to Eugene, OR. Then the rest of the gang caught a direct flight to Eugene. We went through International Security (one of the best kept secrets at the SLC Airport), got to our gate, and boarded the plane with no incidents.
Dad had a great time on his first commercial plane trip. Even though the plane was smaller (two-two seats), it is nice because we flew closer to the ground. Dad looked out the window the whole way and we tried to guess where we might be and enjoyed the sights.
We met up with Leanora in Eugene - - - way to go Leanora!!!! You concurred your first flight alone!!!!
After picking up all the luggage, we had the task of getting the luggage and six of us all in one mini-van. But with skillful luggage arranging skills, we were off on our adventure.
First stop - LUNCH!!!! Took us a little out of our way, but soon we were fed, and on Highway 5 headed for Cave Junction, Oregon.
After spending the night at Justin and Heather's house, we all started down the road to Brookings, OR. The long and windy road led us to a quaint beach house property we found on VRBO. Finally we were at the ocean!!!!
Our beach house was great! Right on the beach, with a beautiful view of the ocean!!! We spent more time staring at that ocean than we did doing anything else. If we woke up early, we were out on the patio in our PJ's watching the ocean and sipping on hot chocolate or cider. Relaxing!!!!!
One of the days we were there we went to the Jedediah Smith Redwood Forrest. Here we were greeted by a fern-lined path, and the 300-foot tall trees towering above us. I love the smell of this forest. A rich, earthy, redwood smell that gives you a an air of peace as you walk through the trees, clover, ferns, and various plants.
Another day we went to Harris Beach State Park and enjoyed watching the huge waves come into shore. Justin and Kenny took Leanora and I on a "short walk" through water, sea week, up muddy slopes, climbing on rocks, scooting on our behinds, and finally to a spot where we could see the ocean water surge through a hole in a HUGE rock that sits on the beach. When the tide is low, you can just walk on the sand to this spot - - - but of course that would not be an adventure. :)
Our time at the beach went by all to fast and we had to bid it farewell. It made every one of us tear up and we left a piece of our hearts right there at the ocean!!!
Arik Wisdom Stewart turned 1 Year Old and we went to Justin and Heather's to have a birthday party. I wonder if Heather ever found all the blue icing that he flung around after demolishing his individual birthday cake. It was a fun evening watching Arik. He has grown so fast in only one year.
The next day we make carmel apples, went to Taylor's for lunch, and just hung out on Heather and Justin's front deck just enjoying the feel of the mountains. We had to leave and drive back to Eugene, and I was not a happy camper. I think I quit sobbing by Grants Pass (30 minutes) and was pretty under control by Eugene.(3 Hours)
It breaks my heart every time I leave Oregon and leave the kids behind. Sure wish it was closer to Utah!!!
We had such a good trip, and enjoyed visiting with the kids. We laughed, cried, relaxed, refreshed, made memories, and just enjoyed being together. So glad we all went together!!!
